MANILA, Philippines — For June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel Beer’s PBA Philippine Cup triumph was more than a championship—it was redemption.

Fajardo powered the Beermen with 24 points on a near-perfect 11-of-12 shooting in Friday’s 107-96 Game 6 victory over TNT Tropang Giga, sealing the title and denying TNT a shot at a historic Grand Slam.

Reflecting on last year’s runner-up finish to Meralco, Fajardo admitted that the loss became a personal motivator.

“I had it placed near the front door at home and it served like a motivation for me,” he said, referring to the runner-up trophy he kept on display.

The win marked San Miguel’s seventh Philippine Cup title in the last 10 seasons, reestablishing its dominance in the all-Filipino conference after missing the playoffs in the Commissioner’s Cup.

While Fajardo posted steady averages of 21.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks, the spotlight was shared with his teammates. Finals MVP Jericho Cruz, along with Don Trollano, Mo Tautuaa, and Chris Ross, all played pivotal roles in the Beermen’s comeback after dropping Game 1.

San Miguel strung together three straight wins to take a commanding lead in the best-of-seven series, but TNT, battling injuries, fought back in Game 5 to delay the inevitable.

“TNT is a tough opponent even if they’re shorthanded,” Fajardo said. “I’m thankful that we were able to get this win, this championship because it would be very difficult if it went to a Game 7.”

The victory not only avenged last year’s heartbreak but also reinforced San Miguel’s status as the PBA’s all-Filipino powerhouse.